"The most spiritual thing you can do is to help someone."
One of the most important things Ive learned in the program is that whenever two alcoholics get together, God is present. I feel the energy of God flow through me as I talk with, listen to, and help another person. Because I can get wrapped up in myself, it sometimes takes contrary action for me to reach out. But I am always rewarded with a sense of peace and serenity when I connect with and help another.
It wasnt always like this. Selfish and self-centered in the extreme, I crawled into the rooms of recovery emotionally bankrupt and in a state of perdition. I had alienated most of the people in my life and spent much of my time alone with the disease of alcoholism. I dammed Gods energy up inside me, and it almost destroyed me. Even today, I have to guard against my tendency to isolate and self-obsess.
One of the greatest gifts Ive been given in the A.A. program is the key that enables me to escape from the pit of self. Working with others is not only part of the solution for their sobriety, it is a crucial part in my own continuing recovery as well. Today, I have discovered the primary purpose of Gods love, and so my purpose as well: to be of service to others. Each time I extend myself, we are both rewarded by the presence and love of God. Service is the way out of the prison of self, and it always sets my and the other persons spirits free.
